Camera stabilizer platform and camcorder therefor

ABSTRACT

A combination camcorder and a stabilizing platform for attachment to the bottom of the camcorder to steady the filming of subjects with the use of fiber optics positioned along the body of the camcorder to transmit remote control infrared signals to an infrared receiving port on the camcorder. The platform includes a two piece bar that is held together with a locking bolt and includes a mounting screw which attaches the camcorder to the top of the platform and also attaches a handle below the platform. A remote control is attached to the handle. The remote control also can be imbedded into the handle so that the infrared signal can go from the handle directly into the fiber optics thus giving the user instant control of the signal, and improve the quality of the picture. The fiber optic fibers are attached along a surface of the camcorder by tape or an adhesive.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 10/434,755, filed May 9, 2003.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] This invention relates to a camcorder having a fiber optic tapeapplied thereto for operation of the camera when mounted to astabilizing platform support which rests on the shoulder of a cameraoperator or when attached to a conventional tripod. The fiber optic tapetransmits an infrared signal to smoothly operates the functions of thecamcorder thus providing a high quality image.

[0003] It is common knowledge that camcorders on the market today due totheir small size have an inherent problem of producing a poor qualitypicture due to hand movement of the user which is not stable thusproducing a shaky, unsteady and jittery picture. Even with thestabilizing chip that is present in the camcorder body today does notremedy the jittery movements since a user will video for long periods oftime and tire while doing so or walk or run while videoing thusmagnifying the problem. Another problem with video camcorders is thatthe remote control that is typically provided with the purchase of acamcorder, for use with the camera, only operates while the user isdirectly in front of the camcorder. Operating the camcorder from infront with the remote control is not always practical as the user may beto the side of the camcorder or behind the camera videoing an eventwithout wanting to interject his own presence into the subject.Secondly, if you wish to use a tripod, again, you must be in front ofthe camcorder to send remote infrared control signals.

[0004] Prior attempts have been made to eliminate the unwanted up anddown motions typical in amateur videoing or photography through astabilization mechanism which is either supported by the user's shoulderor by a body harness. None of the prior stabilization mechanisms has aprovision for instant, infrared signal control for smooth transition ofon and off, power and other functions through a handle that holds theinfrared remote control unit. The current camcorder controls requiremanual manipulation to operate which will create a jittery motion to theimage that is being videotaped. The current infrared remote controlunits that are provided as an accessory to the camcorders on the markettoday operate only when in front of the camcorder.

[0005] U.S. Pat. No. 2,370,611 to Du Mais is a bulky and complicatedapparatus with interlocking members which hold a still camera andrequires a strap around the arm. This is not practical or helpful foruse with the camcorders of today.

[0006] U.S. Pat. No. 4,542,966 to Knaudt is a shoulder and hand supportfor photographic equipment which is supported by an arm connection forrapid picture sequence for a still camera. This support uncomfortablyhangs over the shoulder like an arch and comes down to the rib cage andincludes many locking mechanisms.

[0007] U.S. Pat. No. 4,984,090 to Sasaki et al is a grip that can bemounted underneath a camera. Once mounted and electronically connectedthere is a power switch of a trigger type that will video only when thetrigger is depressed. This is not suitable for long-term video taping.The user must hold this camera with one or both hands and there is nostabilizing attachment reaching to the shoulder which can providestabilization and comfort and ease in the use of the camera especiallyfor long-term video taping.

[0008] U.S. Pat. No. 5,038,160 to Schumacher et al is a camera supportapparatus which slides into a compact position. The bar is wider at thefront and narrows at the back where it rests on the shoulder. Thispresents a heavier load in the front causing imbalance and discomfortand is not practical in use. The use of slider plates introduces apotential for pinching or injury to the user.

[0009] U.S. Pat. No. 5,073,788 to Lingwall is a cumbersome cameraapparatus which requires the use of hinges, straps, fasteners and a bodyharness to attach to the user for still photography.

[0010] U.S. Pat. No. 5,081,478 to Hayashida et al is a tool whichattaches to the camera for holding or for carrying purposes which tucksunder the camera for compact storage or use as a tripod. In certaininstances this device cannot be stored compactly or thinly in the camerabottom portion and it cannot be used as a carrying handle.

[0011] U.S. Pat. No. 5,098,182 to Brown is a complicated and cumbersomesupport system used to stabilize camera equipment for unwanted motions.There are two “struts” which extend from the base support making thedevice difficult to hold or balance, especially due to thecounterbalancing by a secondary view finding device and batteries at thebottom of the first strut.

[0012] U.S. Pat. No. 5,128,701 to Hampton is a device having a platformto hold a small video camcorder which provides stabilization forphotography by extending the platform to the shoulder. There is nohandle to steady the device, only finger grips on each side with whichto hold the device causing the user's fingers to be cramped in a bentposition to support and steady the camera.

[0013] U.S. Pat. No. 5,742,859 to Acker is a support device forstabilizing a camera, particularly a video camera. It has manyattachments, struts, pivoting joints with upper yoke, lower yoke, strapsfor use which make it cumbersome and complicated, especially when theextension pole is introduced for lifting and tilting the camera over andabove the user's shoulders or as use of a monopod.

[0014] U.S. Pat. No. 5,749,011 to Nicolaci is a stabilizing rod toattach to the bottom of a video camera to steady the picture image. Thisdevice would be uncomfortable for use especially for long periods ofvideo taping as well as having inherent personal protection flaws fordesigning and suggesting this device can be placed against the face andneck.

[0015] UK Pat. No. 2,103,379 is a device designed for use of two cameraswhich are of the still type for simultaneous use. The advantage would bethat the user could use two types of film, e.g., black and white for onewith color for the other, or slow film for one and fast for the other.The other advantage of this device is that twice the number of exposurescan be made per second in an action sequence thus describing the still,35 mm type camera and is not practical for video cameras.

[0016] Japan Pat. No. JP403132632 is a device which attaches itself to avideo camera serving as a handle with an electronically connected remotecontrol at the bottom of the handle which can also be attached to atripod. This device will do nothing for stabilization of the picture asone would not have differing results by holding the camera with hishand. The hand is still doing the holding for the only support with theresulting jitter and unwanted movements of the hand.

[0017] Consequently a need exists for a camcorder stabilizing platformand camcorder design which addresses the problems of previous designs.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0018] To address the problems of prior stabilizing mechanisms, thepresent invention includes a stabilizing platform which attaches to thebottom of a small hand held digital or DVD camcorder with still cameracapabilities to steady the filming of subjects. The platform includes atwo piece bar that is held together with a locking bolt and includes amounting screw which attaches the camera to the top of the platform. Ahandle is attached below the platform. Fiber optics are incorporatedinto the body of the platform which are used to send infrared remotecontrol signals to the infrared receiving port in the front of thecamcorder. Alternatively a fiber optic tape is applied to the camcorderto direct the infrared signal from the handle to the infrared receivingport on the front of the camera. Further alternatively a secondaryinfrared port is positioned on the bottom, side or the back of thecamera so that the user may be behind or to the side of the camera andable to operate the on, off, stop, zoom in, zoom out, record, pause aswell as other functions of the camera. Fiber optic control allows forsmooth transitions of the operations of the camera eliminating thejittery motions when manually performing these functions.

[0019] It is an objective of this invention to provide a steady andstable support for a camcorder, hand held camcorder, digital hand heldcamcorder with still camera features or DVD digital hand held camcorderwith still camera features. The support facilitates steady recording andthen viewing from either the viewfinder or the liquid crystal displayscreen of the subject thus eliminating the up and down or jittery motioncommonly encountered during video recording.

[0020] It is also an objective of this invention to provide steadyoperation and control of the functions of the camcorder with the use offiber optics. The invention includes fiber optics either imbedded in theplatform or in a tape applied directly to a surface of the camcorder forsending signals from the handle to the receiving port in front ofcamcorder, thereby allowing the use of the infrared remote control frombelow the camcorder when the user is videoing from behind the camera.The infrared remote control operations eliminates the manual operationssuch as on, off, zooming in and out, record, pause operations whichcause the unsteadiness and up and down motion by manual use. The remotecontrol device is an accessory to all camcorders on the market today,however, the user must be in front of the camera in order to use theinfrared remote control which means the user must interject himself intothe picture when using the infrared remote control. Consequently thepresent invention eliminates this problem.

[0021] The objectives of the present invention are accomplished by astabilizing platform which attaches to the underside of the camcorderbody and extends to the shoulder of the user for support. The platformincludes a two piece bar that is held together with a locking bolt andincludes a mounting screw which attaches the camera to the top of theplatform and also attaches the handle below the platform. The handleextends from the bottom of the platform and allows the user to hold thehandle keeping the unit steady. Within the handle there is a location toattach an infrared remote control device with a double sided Velcrostrip. The handle can accommodate all remote control units.

[0022] It is a further objective of this invention to incorporate theinfrared remote control unit into the interior of the handle. Anotherfeature of this invention is the elimination of camera operation delaycaused by manual operation of the control buttons.

[0023] It is a further objective of this invention to provide fiberoptics imbedded in the stabilizing platform to send infrared remotecontrol signals from the handle directly into the body of the camerasituated above through a secondary infrared receiving port which wouldbe located on the bottom of the camera, just below the handle.

[0024] It is a further objective of this invention to provide a fiberoptic tape to be applied directly on a surface of the camcorder todirect the infrared signals from the remote control to the infraredsignals from the remote control to the infrared receiving port locatedon the front of the camcorder.

[0025] It is another objective of the stabilizing platform to beflexible as it may be adjusted to the user's close up vision as needed.After use, it may be folded into a compact position by loosening thelocking knob, removing the handle (with attached remote control) andplacing both items into a camera carrying case.

[0026] It is further an objective of this invention to provide alightweight support, easily manufactured with minimal cost to beproduced on a mass production basis.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] Other objectives, advantages and features will be apparent fromthe following detailed illustrations wherein:

[0028]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of thestabilizer platform of the present invention;

[0029]FIG. 2 is a side view of the platform of FIG. 1;

[0030]FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the platform of FIG. 1;

[0031]FIG. 4 is a side view of the platform of FIG. 1 in a collapsedposition;

[0032]FIG. 5 is a side view of a second embodiment stabilizer platformof the present invention;

[0033]FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a video camera for use with theplatform of FIG. 5; and

[0034]FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of a video camera and fiberoptic tape.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0035] As shown in FIGS. 1 through 4, a stabilizer platform 10 of thepresent invention is shown. The stabilizer platform 10 is for use with ahandheld camcorder and comprises a bar 12 and a handle 14. The bar 12preferably comprises a first section 16 and a second section 18rotatably connected together by a locking screw 20, which passes throughholes 22 and 24 extending through first section 16 and second section18, respectively. As shown in FIG. 3, hole 24 can be one of a number ofholes positioned in second section 18 so that the overall length of bar12 in the extended position can vary, depending upon the specific userutilizing the invention. A foam pad 26 is positioned on an end 28 ofsecond section 18 opposite from holes 24. Preferably end 28 is bentslightly downwardly and includes pad 26 to rest comfortably on theshoulder of the camera user.

[0036] Preferably hole 22 has a square geometry extending at least partway through the width of first section 16 to accommodate the squaresection 30 on locking screw 20 beneath head 32. Locking screw 20, aspreviously indicated, passes through holes 22 and 24 and into lockingknob 34, which threads onto locking screw 20 and rigidly locks first andsecond section in its fully extended position. Locking knob 34 is shownas having three flanges 36 a, 36 b and 36 c, which facilitate tighteningthe locking knob onto locking screw 20 by rotation with the fingers ofthe user. Although shown with three flanges, locking knob 34 can beother types of knobs commercially available, such circular knobs or anyother type of fastening means. As will be discussed in more detailherein, locking screw 20 and locking knob 34 also secure first section16 and second section of the stabilizer bar 12 in a stowed position.

[0037] Positioned on the upper surface of the first section 16 of thestabilizer bar are camera pads 38 a and 38 b, which preferably are madeof foam rubber and include a pressure-sensitive adhesive to keep thecamera pads in position on the upper surface of the first section.Camera pads 38 a and 38 b provide a cushion and friction attachmentpoint for the video camera on the upper surface of the first section.First section 16 further includes a fiber optics port 40, whichessentially is a hole extending through the first section. First section16 also includes a camera hole 42 extending through the section forreceipt of a camera screw 44, which is used to attach the handle 14below the first section, as well as the video camera 46 to the uppersurface of the first section. The camera screw 44 includes a circularbody section 48 and a threaded pin 50. The body section 48 includes athreaded bore for threaded engagement of a threaded pin 52 positioned onthe end of the handle 14. As seen best in FIG. 2, camera screw has thepin 52 of the handle threaded into the bore and the camera screwthreaded pin 50 is inserted through hole 42 in the first section. Aretaining ring 54 is then positioned over pin 50 and into recess 56 onthe upper surface of the first section to hold the camera screw firmlyin place on the first section. The threaded pin 50 then extends up abovethe upper surface of the first section 16 and is threaded into athreaded tripod hole positioned on the bottom of the camcorder 46.

[0038] A fiber optic cable 58 extends through fiber optic port 40 andaround bore 42 to the front of first section 16. The cable then extendsupwardly and rearwardly so that fiber optic signals can be transmittedfrom below the first section 16 to an infrared receiving port 60typically located in the front of the camcorder 46. The fiber opticcable 58 transmits infrared signals from a remote control 62 attached tohandle 14 and positioned below the first section 16. Handle 14 includesa flat surface 64 containing hook and loop fastener 66, one-halfpositioned on flat surface 64 and the opposite half positioned on thebottom of the remote control. It is to be understood that other forms offastening of the remote control to the handle are possible, such asadhesives, double-sided tape, etc. Fiber optic port 40 is positionedalong the first section 16 such that, when the remote control 62 isattached to handle 14, infrared signals can be transmitted to theinfrared receiving port 60 by fiber optic cable 58. Fiber optic cable 58is of sufficient rigidity that it can be bent into the necessaryposition to transmit the signal, or it can be a more flexible cable,which would then be positioned within a housing or shield 68 attached tothe front of the first section 16.

[0039] As shown best in FIG. 2, during operation, the user operates thevideo camera 46 through the controls 70 on the remote control 62, whichsends an infrared signal through fiber optic cable 58 to receiving port60. The activity being recorded by camcorder 46 can be seen in theLiquid Crystal Display (LCD) view screen 72. Shoulder pad 26 rests onthe shoulder of the user, and handle 14 includes finger grips 74 to begrasped by the hand of the user. The combination of the hand of theuser, by holding onto the handle, and the second section 18 resting onthe shoulder of the user, both stabilizes and operates the camcorderwhile recording.

[0040] As seen best in FIG. 4, the stabilizer platform 10 of the presentinvention can be easily disassembled and stowed in a compact position.The handle 14 is unscrewed from the camera screw 44, and the remotecontrol 62 can remain attached to the handle or removed. The lockingknob 34 and locking screw 20 can be loosened so that the first section16 and second section 18 can be rotated to a collapsed position. Thelength of the invention is then half the size and can be convenientlystored in a video camera bag. The first and second sections 16 and 18 ofthe invention may be constructed from any type of material ranging fromlightweight aluminum, carbon fiber or plastics, depending upon economicfactors, use factors or manufacturing limitations.

[0041]FIG. 5 illustrates an alternative embodiment stabilizer platform80 of the present invention for use with camcorder 82 shown in FIG. 6.In this embodiment, stabilizer platform 80 is nearly identical toplatform 10 shown in FIGS. 1 through 4, however, no fiber optic cable isnecessary. In this embodiment, first section 84 includes an infraredport 86 positioned so that infrared signals transmitted from remotecontrol 88 attached to handle 90 would be received by an infraredreceiving port 92 positioned on a bottom surface 94 of camcorder 82.Alternatively, although not necessary, a short piece of fiber opticcable 96 can be positioned in infrared port 86 to assist in transmittingthe infrared signals to receiving port 92. For this embodiment,camcorder 82 could have an infrared receiving port 92 on a bottomsurface as well as a receiving port 96 positioned on the front of thecamera, as traditionally done. In this embodiment, the camera screw 98would secure the video camera 82 on top of first section 84 by threadinginto the threaded tripod bore 100 also positioned on the bottom of thecamcorder.

[0042] As shown FIG. 7 a fiber optic tape 102 can be used in conjunctionwith camcorder 104 having an infrared receiving port 106 located on thefront of the camcorder and not on the bottom of the camcorder. Thecombination of fiber optic tape 102 and camcorder 104 would be suitablefor use with platform 80 as shown in FIG. 5 or a tripod (not shown). Thefiber optic tape 102 has a backing layer or film 108. The backing layeror film has an adhesive coating 110 applied thereon and at least oneoptical fiber 112 is routed and bonded to the adhesive layer providing acontinuous optical signal path from one end to the other of the tape. Areleasable liner 114 is releasably attached to the adhesive layer andpositioned to cover the backing layer including the optical fibers. Thereleasable layer 114 is removed so that the fiber optic tape can bepositioned on the bottom surface 116 of camcorder 104 so that it canextend from a location adjacent the infrared port 86 in the stabilizerplatform to the infrared receiving port 106 positioned on the front ofcamcorder 104. Therefore, fiber optic signals can be transmitted fromthe remote control 88 through infrared port 86 to the infrared receivingport 106. The fiber optic tape can have a port cutout 116 positioned atone end of the tape and a sending port area 118 at an opposite end ofthe tape. When the fiber optic tape is applied to the camcorder thesending port area 118 would be adjacent infrared receiving port 106 andport cutout 116 would be adjacent the infrared port 86 in the stabilizerplatform 80.

[0043] The type of materials used for the fiber optic tape can varydepending upon the application. For instance, if a high durability isdesired a polyester-type backing would be used. Considering the tape canbe applied to curved surfaces of the camcorder, a flexible backingmaterial would be chosen such as vinyl, polyurethane, polyamide, andpolyester. Preferably the adhesive is any temporarily repositionaladhesive. Temporarily repositional is meant such that the bond betweenthe adhesive and the surface of the camcorder is such that the tape maybe removed from the camera without damaging the camcorder either for aperiod of time or until the occurrence of a specified event which thencould permanently adhere the tape to the camera. In a preferredembodiment, the adhesive is a pressure sensitive adhesive known in theindustry as a standard class of materials. There are adhesives, which indry form are aggressively and permanently tacky at room temperature andfirmly adhere to a variety of similar surfaces upon mere contact withoutthe need for more than manual pressure. The adhesive requires noactivation by water, solvent or heat in order to exert a strong adhesiveholding force towards such materials as paper, cellophane, glass,plastic, wood and metals. The adhesive has a sufficiently cohesiveholding and elastic nature such that, despite its aggressive tackiness,can be handled with fingers and removed from smooth surfaces withoutleaving a substantial residue.

[0044] The optical fibers 112 can be any infrared transmitting material,such as silica or flexible glass or plastic. FIG. 7 illustrates aplurality of fiber optic fibers embedded within the adhesive, the numberwill depend upon the size and shape of the individual fibers. It shouldbe understood that depending upon the particular material, and its size,only one fiber optic fiber may be necessary to transmit the infraredsignals to the infrared receiving port on the camcorder. Likewise, thefiber optic fiber can be constructed in the shape of a ribbon whereinadhesive can be applied directly to the ribbon thereby eliminating theneed for the backing sheet or film. The fiber optic fiber then would bedirectly applied to the surface of the camcorder via the adhesive.

[0045] The stabilizing platform of the present invention allows the userto form a three-point support system wherein the platform rests on theuser's shoulder, one hand holds the handle, while the upper arm isresting by the user's body. The stabilizer provides for relatively nomovement of the camcorder because of the additional support provided andease of operation through the remote control attached to the handle.Although the present invention has been described with respect to twoembodiments thereof, it is to be understood that changes andmodifications can be made therein which are within the intended scope ofthe invention as hereinafter claimed. For example, the handle can bemanufactured so that the remote control is integral therewith, or thestabilizing bar can be folding or telescoped.

What is claimed is:
 1. A combination camcorder and camera stabilizercomprising: a platform having a first end connectable to a camera and asecond end extending outwardly from the first end to rest on a shoulderof a camera operator; a handle connectable to the platform having cameracontrols contained thereon; and means for transmitting camera controlsignals from the handle to a signal receiving port on the camera.
 2. Thecombination of claim 1, wherein the means for transmitting cameracontrol signals is a fiber optic tape applied to the camcorder.
 3. Thecombination of claim 2, wherein the fiber optic tape includes a backingsheet, at least one fiber optic fiber, an adhesive to retain the fiberoptic fiber to the backing sheet and the backing sheet to the camcorder.4. The combination of claim 3, wherein there are a plurality of fiberoptic fibers.
 5. The combination of claim 1, wherein the means fortransmitting the camera control signals is a fiber optic cable extendingthrough the platform having one end adjacent the camera controls in thehandle and an opposite end adjacent the signal receiving port on thecamera.
 6. The combination of claim 1, wherein the means fortransmitting the camera control signals is a signal bore extendingthrough the platform such that control signals generated by the cameracontrols in the handle can pass through the signal bore in the platformand into the signal receiving port on the camera positioned above thesignal bore.
 7. The combination of claim 6, wherein a fiber optic cableis positioned in the signal bore.
 8. The combination of claim 1, whereinthe handle has a remote control containing the camera controls.
 9. Thecombination of claim 8, wherein the remote control is removably mountedon the handle.
 10. The combination of claim 1, wherein the means fortransmitting camera control signals comprises a fiber optic fiber and anadhesive.
 11. A combination camcorder and camera platform comprising: ashoulder section having a shoulder pad at one end thereof; a camerasection movably attached to the shoulder section for supporting thecamcorder; a handle removably attached to the camera section; a remotecontrol removably attached to the handle; and a fiber optic fiber fortransmitting control signals from the remote control to a signalreceiving port on the video camera.
 12. The combination of claim 11,wherein the fiber optic fiber is positioned on a tape attached to thecamcorder.
 13. The combination of claim 11, wherein the fiber opticfiber has a first end adjacent the remote control and an opposite endadjacent the signal receiving port on the camera.
 14. The combination ofclaim 11, wherein the camera section has a signal bore extendingtherethrough, such that control signals generated by the remote controlcan pass through the signal bore and into the first end of the fiberoptic fiber
 15. The combination of claim 12, wherein the tape has abacking sheet and an adhesive.
 16. The combination of claim 11 whereinthe fiber optic fiber is directly attached to the camcorder by anadhesive.
 17. A camcorder comprising a body having an infrared signalreceiving port and at least one fiber optic fiber attached to an outersurface of the camcorder extending along the outer surface to theinfrared signal receiving port.
 18. The camcorder of claim 17, whereinthe infrared signal receiving port is located on a front surface of thecamera.
 19. The camcorder of claim 17, wherein the fiber optic fiber isattached to the surface of the camcorder by tape.
 20. The camcorder ofclaim 17, wherein the fiber optic fiber is attached to the surface ofthe camcorder by an adhesive.